Christ's Death: Our Defense Against Condemnation
Summary
In Romans 8:34, the Apostle Paul presents a profound challenge: "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died." This statement serves as both a bold defiance against any accusation and a shield for believers. Paul, who once persecuted Christians, now stands confidently in the grace of God, declaring that no one can condemn those whom Christ has redeemed. This confidence is not based on human righteousness, which is inherently flawed, but on the singular, sufficient act of Christ's death.
The essence of this message is the power and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Human efforts, religious rituals, or personal achievements cannot compare to the redemptive work of Christ. When faced with accusations from Satan, the world, our conscience, or even the law of God, the believer's defense is simple yet profound: "It is Christ that died." This truth is the believer's anchor, ensuring spiritual security and peace.
Paul emphasizes that Christ's death is the ultimate remedy for sin. It is not just a historical event but a present reality that covers all sin, past, present, and future. The death of Christ is a comprehensive atonement, satisfying divine justice and offering complete forgiveness. This assurance allows believers to stand boldly against any condemnation, knowing that their sins have been fully paid for by Christ.
Moreover, the resurrection and intercession of Christ further affirm the believer's security. Christ's resurrection is proof that the debt of sin is paid, and His position at the right hand of God signifies His ongoing advocacy for us. This continuous intercession ensures that believers are eternally secure in their salvation.
In conclusion, the believer's confidence and hope rest solely on the fact that "It is Christ that died." This truth is the foundation of our faith, the assurance of our salvation, and the answer to every accusation. It is the declaration of victory over sin and death, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The Sufficiency of Christ's Sacrifice: Human righteousness is insufficient for salvation. Our confidence lies in the singular, sufficient act of Christ's death, which covers all sin and offers complete forgiveness. [03:39]
- Victory Over Accusations: When faced with accusations from Satan, the world, or our conscience, the believer's defense is the death of Christ. This truth silences all condemnation and assures us of our standing before God. [10:12]
- The Power of the Cross: The cross is the ultimate remedy for sin. It satisfies divine justice and offers a full atonement for all who believe. This assurance allows believers to stand boldly against any condemnation. [17:04]
- Christ's Resurrection and Intercession: Christ's resurrection is proof of the payment for sin, and His intercession at God's right hand ensures our eternal security. This continuous advocacy is a source of comfort and assurance for believers. [27:57]
- The Foundation of Our Faith: The declaration "It is Christ that died" is the foundation of our faith, the assurance of our salvation, and the answer to every accusation. It is the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. [45:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to the Challenge
- [00:25] - The Bold Defiance
- [00:52] - Human Righteousness vs. Divine Grace
- [01:34] - Paul's Transformation
- [02:25] - The Shield of Christ's Death
- [03:08] - Faith in the Dying Christ
- [04:26] - The Singular Hope of Salvation
- [06:32] - The Trumpet Call of the Gospel
- [07:14] - The Remedy for All Sin
- [08:23] - Triumph Over Satan
- [12:15] - The World's Accusations
- [15:17] - Conscience as a Foe
- [18:33] - The Law of God
- [21:18] - The Judge on Our Side
- [23:15] - The Remedy for Sin
- [29:51] - Answering Accusations
- [45:23] - The Foundation of Our Faith
- [46:03] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 8:34
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the phrase "It is Christ that died" in Romans 8:34, and how does it serve as a defense against condemnation? [00:11]
2. How does Paul describe his own transformation from a persecutor of Christians to someone who confidently declares "Who is he that condemneth?" [01:59]
3. What role does Christ's resurrection and intercession play in the believer's security according to the sermon? [07:14]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the insufficiency of human righteousness compared to the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice? [01:19]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the statement "It is Christ that died" provide a remedy for all sin, and what does this imply about the nature of Christ's sacrifice? [07:30]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can use the truth of Christ's death to combat accusations from Satan, the world, and their own conscience? [10:12]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between Christ's death and the fulfillment of divine justice? [17:29]
4. What does the sermon imply about the believer's confidence in their salvation when faced with accusations from the law of God? [18:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt condemned by your own conscience. How can the truth that "It is Christ that died" change your perspective in similar situations? [16:13]
2. When faced with accusations or guilt, what practical steps can you take to remind yourself of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice? [06:07]
3. How can the assurance of Christ's intercession at the right hand of God influence your daily walk with Him? [27:57]
4. Consider the ways in which you might rely on your own righteousness rather than Christ's sacrifice. How can you shift your focus to the sufficiency of His death? [01:19]
5. How does understanding the comprehensive nature of Christ's atonement affect your view of past, present, and future sins? [17:04]
6. In what ways can you use the truth of Christ's death as a defense against external accusations or judgments from others? [12:56]
7. How can the message of Christ's victory over sin and death inspire you to live more boldly in your faith? [08:23]
Devotional
Day 1: The Sufficiency of Christ's Sacrifice
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that human righteousness is insufficient for salvation, highlighting the singular and sufficient act of Christ's death as the foundation of our faith. This act covers all sin and offers complete forgiveness, rendering human efforts, religious rituals, or personal achievements inadequate in comparison. The believer's confidence lies in the redemptive work of Christ, which serves as an anchor for spiritual security and peace. This truth is a profound assurance that allows believers to stand boldly against any condemnation, knowing that their sins have been fully paid for by Christ. [03:39]
Hebrews 10:14-17 (ESV): "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, 'This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,' then he adds, 'I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you relied on your own efforts for spiritual security? How can you shift your focus to the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice today?
Day 2: Victory Over Accusations
When faced with accusations from Satan, the world, or our conscience, the believer's defense is the death of Christ. This truth silences all condemnation and assures us of our standing before God. The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, now stands confidently in the grace of God, declaring that no one can condemn those whom Christ has redeemed. This confidence is not based on human righteousness but on the singular, sufficient act of Christ's death. The believer's anchor is the assurance that their sins have been fully paid for by Christ, allowing them to stand boldly against any condemnation. [10:12]
Zechariah 3:1-4 (ESV): "Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the Lord said to Satan, 'The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?' Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, 'Remove the filthy garments from him.' And to him he said, 'Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.'"
Reflection: What accusations do you face from the world or your own conscience? How can you remind yourself of Christ's victory over these accusations today?
Day 3: The Power of the Cross
The cross is the ultimate remedy for sin, satisfying divine justice and offering a full atonement for all who believe. This assurance allows believers to stand boldly against any condemnation, knowing that their sins have been fully paid for by Christ. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that Christ's death is not just a historical event but a present reality that covers all sin, past, present, and future. This comprehensive atonement is the foundation of the believer's faith, providing spiritual security and peace. [17:04]
Colossians 2:13-15 (ESV): "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."
Reflection: How does the power of the cross impact your understanding of forgiveness and justice? What steps can you take to live in the reality of this truth today?
Day 4: Christ's Resurrection and Intercession
Christ's resurrection is proof of the payment for sin, and His intercession at God's right hand ensures our eternal security. This continuous advocacy is a source of comfort and assurance for believers, affirming their security in salvation. The Apostle Paul highlights that Christ's position at the right hand of God signifies His ongoing advocacy for us, ensuring that believers are eternally secure in their salvation. This truth is a profound assurance that allows believers to stand boldly against any condemnation, knowing that their sins have been fully paid for by Christ. [27:57]
Hebrews 7:24-25 (ESV): "But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."
Reflection: How does knowing that Christ intercedes for you impact your daily life? In what ways can you find comfort in His ongoing advocacy today?
Day 5: The Foundation of Our Faith
The declaration "It is Christ that died" is the foundation of our faith, the assurance of our salvation, and the answer to every accusation. It is the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that this truth is the believer's anchor, ensuring spiritual security and peace. This confidence is not based on human righteousness but on the singular, sufficient act of Christ's death. The believer's defense against accusations from Satan, the world, or their conscience is the death of Christ, which silences all condemnation and assures them of their standing before God. [45:23]
1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV): "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What does it mean for you to have Christ as the foundation of your faith? How can you build your life on this foundation today?
Quotes
The man who uttered this challenge who is he that condemneth and uttered it under the inspiration of God did not, however, occupy the position of a sinless man. His early years had been spent in opposition to his Savior. He had been exceedingly mad against the disciples of Christ and had persecuted them even unto strange cities. [01:45]
Paul has in this case only one answer to the question who is he that condemneth. He meets it by the blessed fact that it is Christ that died. I recommend that we should each one of us have but one hope of salvation. As long as we have half a dozen we have half a dozen doubtful ones. [03:39]
So it is a grand thing whenever Satan comes and begins to accuse you just to say Christ has died Christ has died. If any confronts you with other confidences still keep you to this almighty plea, Christ has died. If one says I was christened and confirmed answer him by saying Christ has died. [05:17]
I want you to notice that Paul does not even rest his confidence as to the believer's safety upon the fact that they are able to say we have trusted in Christ we have loved Christ we have served Christ. He allows nothing to mar the glory of this one blessed fact, it is Christ that died. [06:46]
The encounter to which he challenges them is not to be a mere tilt in a tournament but a battle for life or death. Who enters the lists against the believer? First comes Satan, then the world, then conscience and last of all the law of God. Over them all the believer triumphs. [08:09]
There is only one way to successfully resist the onset of the arch enemy but that one way ensures certain victory up with your shield and say yes it is all true or it might have been for my heart is so evil that it would have led me to any sin but it is Christ that died. [09:54]
The law condemned us in former days and would again overthrow us if we ventured to meet it unarmed. It must condemn sin for the law is holy and the commandment holy and just and good but when it has attacked us and done its worst there comes in the majesty of divine sovereignty. [18:33]
When Christ Jesus took away our guilt and his own self bear our sins in his own body on the tree, justice was more terribly displayed than when guilty sinners sink to hell. We are only creatures after all and when we are condemned we sink down into destruction and suffer for our sin. [20:11]
There is now nobody left that I know of that can condemn us except the judge and if we have escaped our opponents, Satan, the world, conscience and the law, we need not fear to stand even at God's judgment seat. The judge is now on our side and none of us need fear anybody's condemnation. [21:18]
We stand boldly in front of all our foes because we know that we are free from the evil which once condemned us. It is all gone. Our confidence is therefore strong and it is so because Christ dying has removed all sin from all believers. Look says one, there is sin. [23:15]
The apostle Paul puts this first of all and every true preacher of the good tidings of salvation will follow his example. We have indeed in the death of Christ a great atonement, an atonement so great that none can measure its height and depth, its length and breadth. [25:18]
I believe that when Christ died he took all the sins of his people, past, present and to come, and when the whole mass was condensed into one bitter cup, he drank it all up at one tremendous draft of love, leaving not so much as a single drop of wormwood or gall for any to drink who put their trust in him. [44:23]
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